Cape Times 2023-01-05

SCORES of security guards have been left counting their losses because they are unable to receive health benefits after firms allegedly masquerading as health insurance companies deducted more than R25 million from thousands of workers since March 2021. Union leaders say at least 30 000 workers are affected and many have been turned away from hospitals and clinics while trying to access health care, because their medical aid cards did not qualify. The workers pay R150 monthly from their salaries on the understanding that the money would go towards medical benefits. The National Bargaining Council for Private Security Services approved health insurance, administered by Affinity Health, in accordance with the main collective agreement which became effective on March 1 last year, following the signing of an agreement with the sector.…

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa will have his hands full this week as he launches his party’s 111th anniversary in a faction-riddled Free State province that has failed to hold its elective conference four times due to divisions within the party. Ramaphosa kicked off the celebrations with a wreath-laying ceremony at the party’s Fezile Dabi region at the gravesite of the Reverend Zaccheus Richard Mahabane, the third president of the ANC, in Seeisosville cemetery, Maokeng, yesterday. This is one of the events marked to drum up support for the main January 8 statement expected to take place at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Sunday. Ramaphosa later proceeded to lay wreaths at the gravesite of Dr James Sebe Moroka at the embattled Mangaung region before meeting with local ANC structures. The…

A MEMBER of the Radical Economic Transformation (RET) faction in the ANC and staunch Jacob Zuma backer has dismissed the announcement by the ruling party that its top brass intends to meet the former president, describing the move as a “hollow gesture” aimed at gaining popularity with party members and the voting public. Nkosentsha Shezi, from ward 41 in eThekwini region, was reacting to reports that the ANC leadership would meet Zuma before the ANC birthday celebrations at Mangaung, Free State, this weekend, where party president Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula had said on Tuesday that there would be an engagement with Zuma. The former president has launched a private prosecution case against Ramaphosa linked to his matter against State Advocate Billy…

The R77-million upgrade for a section of Jip de Jager Drive, which is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and increase the road capacity, has been met with mixed reactions by road users. The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate announced that the major upgrade would start with the dualling of Jip de Jager Drive in Bellville later this month, and the upgrade construction project was expected to last for nearly two years. Tygerfalls resident Peter van der Merwe said the upgrade was much-needed to address the issues of traffic congestion and its alleviation. “The upgrade is welcomed and will do a lot for traffic congestion, especially since there has been so much more urban development around these areas. It will probably be a thorn in the side for the amount of time…

SEWERAGE spills at several Cape Town beaches recently come as no surprise, as regular maintenance at pump stations and the replacement of ageing infrastructure would’ve prevented any leakages, an expert and residents claim. Strand beach and Small Bay in Blaauwberg were reopened on Tuesday after being closed on Sunday along with Fish Hoek beach due to a sewage spill. The main bathing section at Fish Hoek between the lifeguard station and Jager Walk remains temporarily closed. “This is a precaution as contact with the water could result in potential gastro-intestinal issues. Any person who enters the water does so at their own risk,” the City said. “The Deep Blue section of Strand beach was closed due to an electrical fault at the pump station, but the issue has since been…

IN WHAT has been described as an embarrassment to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), one of their own was caught red-handed allegedly packaging drugs worth about R1 million. The 41-year-old woman – who was arrested on Tuesday – was allegedly found with mandrax and tik worth about R1.2 million, she was also in possession of R17 800. The DCS official is expected to appear at the Vanrhynsdorp Magistrate’s Court today along with her co-accused, who is her 20-year-old daughter. The provincial department’s top officials are expected to attend the court proceedings. “One of our officials working at Vanrhynsdorp Correctional Centre was caught at her place of residence packaging drugs, being assisted by her 20-year-old daughter. She has been charged for possession and dealing with drugs,”…